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BOUNTIFUL, Utah (AP) -- In his second state of the state address, Gov. Jon Huntsman said his vision for Utah's future includes tax reform, a sound education system, a better transportation system and a legacy of environmental respect.
"My direction as governor is simple and focused," he said.
With the Utah Capitol undergoing massive renovations, Huntsman took his state address on the road. Last year's inaugural address was made from Utah's territorial capitol in Fillmore. This year, Huntsman spoke from the Washington Elementary School, about 10 miles north of the Capitol.
The setting was fitting, he said, "to share a vision of a future where we work together to build a hopeful foundation for Utah's next generation."
Fitting, too, because in his proposed budget the governor has proposed a record increase in education spending.
Huntsman's speech mirrored the priorities in his budget plan -- tax reform, including a repeal of the sales tax on food -- education and transportation funding and technology programs at state universities to spur economic development.
With the economy strong and state coffers bulging with almost $1 billion in surplus, Huntsman called upon lawmakers for tax reform.
"It is important to send a signal about our commitment to long-term competitiveness. One important way we can become more competitive is to reform our antiquated tax code," he said.
The tax debate is well under way only two days after the opening of the legislative session. More than two dozen tax reform bills are being offered, including a repeal of the food tax.
"Our state can be both competitive and compassionate as we revise our tax code to be more family friendly and fiscally responsible," Huntsman said. "Reforming the tax code, however, is not enough to secure our long-term economic prosperity."
In a taped response, Democrats seemed to be in line with Huntsman's ideas, also calling for tax reform and increases in education funding.
But they also called for more money for social service programs.
"This year, more than any in the last several decades, has provided the ability for the state government to address and resolve many of the important issues that are a priority for the people of Utah," said Senate Minority Leader Mike Dmitrich, D-Price. "We have a once in a billion chance to serve our citizens, a once in a billion chance to provide leadership and responsible governance."
(Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
